Project Steps
Training Manual

also see Project STEPS Instructional Stategies Manual

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Steps Model
Training Materials
Distribution of Project Steps Materials
Using the Project Steps Trainer's Manual
Training Logistics
Training Notification

Module 1

Overview of the STEPS Model and Transition System Design Process

Materials Needed
Objectives
Content

Module 2

The Local Team and Effective Team Meetings

Materials Needed
Objectives
Content

Module 3

The STEPS Model Components

Materials Needed
Objectives
Content

Section 1 - Current Status
Section 2 - Administrative Issues
Section 3 - Staff Involvement Issues
Section 4 - Family Involvement Issues
Section 5 - Child Preparation Issues

Module 4

Transition System Development Process

Materials Needed
Objectives
Content

Module 5

Using the Helpful Entry Level Skills Checklist

Materials Needed
Objectives
Content

APPENDIX 39

Module Process Agendas
Overhead Masters
Handout Masters

Introduction

The Project STEPS Training Manual provides materials to persons who have completed the STEPS (Sequenced Transition to Education in the Public Schools) Model Facilitator Training Session and wish to provide training on the STEPS Model. Materials are included to:

• train members of a local community in effective teams and meetings;
• train administrative teams to develop a community wide system for transition using the STEPS Model; and
• train direct service providers in assessing entry level skills of children moving from preschool to kindergarten or primary programs using the Helpful Entry Level Skills Checklist (Rev. Ed.).

This Project STEPS Training Manual contains an overview of the STEPS model, description of training materials, overhead and handout masters, a guide for trainers in presenting visual and handout information, guidelines for time allotments, and agenda structure.

The modules are designed for use over three days, although some modules can be used separately or modified for shorter training sessions. The modules included are as follows.

• Module 1 Overview of the STEPS Model and Transition System Design Process
• Module 2 The Local Team and Effective Team Meetings
• Module 3 The STEPS Model Components
• Module 4 Transition System Development Process
• Module 5 Using the Helpful Entry Level Skills Checklist

The STEPS Model

The STEPS Model is a model that relies heavily on a "team approach" to training. Because of the interagency nature of transition and the process oriented approach of the STEPS model, specific steps must be taken during the training session to ensure understanding from participants not only of the components that are the focus of the training session, but of the process of developing a "system" for transition. Therefore, the STEPS Training Model (Figure 1) incorporates team building, assessment of current practices, barrier identification, recommended transition practices, prioritization, work plan development and implementation into a training process that ultimately leads to community wide transition system development.

The STEPS Model can provide local communities with information and a process for addressing transition on a community wide basis. The purpose of the training is to:

1. build the capacity of the local team to work together;
2. provide a mechanism for assessing the current transition needs and structures within the community;
3. provide information and strategies for facilitating transition for administrators, direct service providers, families and children; and
4. provide information and materials helpful in planning for the development of a transition system.

Training Materials

Materials necessary for the STEPS training session include the following:

Individual Participant Materials

• Training Module Handouts Notebook (1 per participant)

***Note: Sections 6 - 8 of the Handout Notebook is included for states to add state specific information, legal requirements and supplemental information.

Team Folders

Resources:

• Facilitation Packet for the Development of a System for the Transition for Families and Their Children (Facilitation Packet) (1 "Copy" and 1 "Record").

***Note: Some states have elected to give each participant a copy of the Facilitation Packet. If you choose to do this, one "official copy" should go in the team folder.

• Community Transition Team Work Plan (NCR Forms)
• Assessment of Current Transition Practices and Transition System Development Plan (ACTP/TSDP)

Handouts:

• Groundrules for Brainstorming
• Groundrules for Discussion
• Group Groundrules
• Casting Call
• Interagency Structure
• How Decisions Get Made

There are a number of other materials developed by Project STEPS that are used to facilitate transition system design. The trainer and/or participants can choose which of these materials to include. For participants who wish to be trained in completing the Helpful Entry Level Skills Checklist (Rev. Ed.) and Instructional Strategies, a complete list of materials necessary is provided in Module 5. It is also helpful to provide samples of products, policies and procedures that have been developed by communities that have already attended the training session and have begun implementation of the STEPS model. A sample packet is available from Project STEPS for states who have not gathered their own.

Overview of the STEPS Model and Transition System Design Process

Materials Needed

Project STEPS Orientation Packet, Assessment of Current Transition Practices and Transition System Development Plan, Facilitation Packet, Module Handout Notebook - Module 1

Module 1 Objectives

Participants will:

• be provided with an opportunity to become familiar with the other participants and members of their team;
• be provided with information on the history of Project STEPS;
• be provided with a general overview of transition;
• have a general understanding of the key elements in transition system design;
• identify current barriers to effective transition within the community; and
• have an opportunity to develop a tentative transition definition and vision.

Module 1 Content

Approximate Presentation Time: 2 ½ hours

After a general overview of the training agenda and materials, the training session should begin with an activity that provides an opportunity for the participants to become familiar with each other. You may use the suggested activity or one of your own.

• Allow 30 minutes for introductory activity.

Activity: Have each participant make a paper hat. On the hat they should draw pictures that describes who the person is at home, at work and in the community. Each team of participants can share their information with the team, then briefly introduce themselves and something new they learned about their team members to the whole group.

• Allow 45 minutes for presentation of overview and systems information.

Introduce the module by providing an overview of the STEPS model.

Project STEPS Orientation Packet

The information we're going to cover now can be found in the ProjectSTEPS Orientation Packet and your Handout Notebook - Module 1.

Project STEPS began as a demonstration model funded through the U.S. Department of Education in 1984. It has since been replicated through several Outreach grants in a number of states and local communities across the country. The model works with a variety of early childhood agencies at a state, regional and local level to develop state and community wide transition systems for children birth to eight.

Transition Overview

So transition can be summarized as movement or change from one environment to another.

Ask the participants to generate a list of the types of transitions children and families experience between birth and age 8.

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